Our Legacy: Shaping the Future of Seafarers Since 1926
NUSI Founder
Shri Mohamed Ebrahim Serang
Our Legacy: Shaping the Future of Seafarers Since 1926
The NUSI Executive Committee proudly declares 9th May as NUSI Founder Mohamed Ebrahim Serang Day, honoring his contributions to Indian seafarers. While welfare efforts date back to 1896, Shri Mohamed Ebrahim Serang formalized them by founding NUSI in 1926, uniting seafarers under a strong trade union.
From a one-man vision, NUSI has grown into a respected force, championing seafarers' rights and welfare beyond wages. With shipowners' and government support, NUSI provides training, healthcare, scholarships, and financial aid for seafarers and their families.
To honor his legacy, 9th May is now a paid holiday for all seafarers on Indian and foreign flag ships, starting from 2012. Shri Mohamed Ebrahim Serang, the "Father of the Indian Seafarers Movement," built the foundation that empowers seafarers today.
Brief Histroy Of NUSI
FIRST WORLD WAR (1914-1918)
During the First World War (1914-1918), seafarers faced increased workloads without better pay. In 1915, Shri Mohamed Ebrahim Serang, a Serang on the Anchor Line ship Elycia, led a seafarers' agitation, resulting in a historic 5% wage increase—the first of its kind. This marked the beginning of the fight for fair pay, laying the foundation for the National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI) in 1926.
SEAFARERS UNITY IS STRENGTH - "THE FIRST STRIKE"
In 1918-1919, Shri Mohamed Ebrahim Serang led the first-ever strike by Indian seafarers on the ship Kaiser-e-Hind in Bombay, demanding better wages and dignity. The four-day strike resulted in a wage increase, raising the basic pay of lower-rank seafarers to Rs. 30/- per month and Serangs to Rs. 60/- per month
Nomination by British Government on Clow Committee” and representation of Indian seafarers on the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Geneva:
Shri Mohamed Ebrahim Serang witnessed the hardships faced by Indian seafarers and formed a union to fight for their rights. He agitated for the approval of the "Charter of Demands," helping uplift seafarers from low wages to becoming taxpayers. Recognized as an authority on seafarers' issues, he was nominated to the British "Clow Committee" in 1922. As a former worker himself, he deeply understood their struggles and worked tirelessly to resolve them. He also served as a Member of the Board of Trustees of the Bombay Port Trust
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Shri Mohamed Ebrahim Serang at the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Geneva
THE VOICE OF INDIAN SEAFARERS – THE BIRTH OF "NATIONAL UNION OF SEAMEN OF INDIA (NUSI)
The achievements of seafarers were largely driven by Shri Mohamed Ebrahim Serang's charisma and dedication. Recognizing the need for a stronger platform, he established India’s first organized seafarers' trade union, NUSI, in 1926, serving as its Founder President. His family stood by him, even mortgaging belongings to support the union’s cause.
INDIAN SEAFARERS FINALLY HAVING A STRONG VOICE - "NATIONAL UNION OF SEAMEN OF INDIA" FORMED
National Union of Seafarers of India
BRITISH GOVERNMENT ACCEPTS NUSI DEMAND TO SHIFT "SHIPPING OFFICE" TO BALLARD ESTATE
In 1928, NUSI demanded the Shipping Office be shifted from Old Custom House to Ballard Estate due to poor amenities for seafarers. The British Government accepted the demand, and in 1937, the office moved to Commerce Building, providing proper seating, drinking water, and other essential facilities for the first time
The then Shipping Master Capt. H.S Flynn being felicitated by NUSI in the new shipping office premises at Ballard Estate.
The "Indian Seamens Hotel Established in 1949
Transit Facility accepted - The “Indian Sailors Home” and “Indian Seamens Hostel" established:
Indian seafarers lacked a transit facility in Bombay while waiting to sign on or off ships. Recognizing this need, Shri Mohamed Ebrahim Serang raised the issue with the Governor General on 24th August 1927. After extensive discussions, the British Government agreed and built the Indian Sailors Home, inaugurated in 1931. Shri Serang played a key role in its construction and management, ensuring Indian seafarers' interests were represented.
Second World War (1939-1945):
During World War II (1939-1945), 6,531 seafarers lost their lives in the Royal Navy. Under NUSI's leadership, seafarers demanded a 200% wage increase and went on strike. After discussions with Shri Mohamed Ebrahim Serang, the British Government and shipowners agreed to a 100% wage hike, raising the average salary to Rs. 125/- per month ("paanch pagar"). Following the First World War compensation model, NUSI secured Rs. 25,00,000 in War Compensation for Indian seafarers. Additionally, war allowance was merged into salaries, ensuring higher wages even in peacetime
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Seafarers agitating for "War Compensation" from the British Government
WAR COMPENSATION FOR SEAFARERS
During World War I (1914-1919), over 17,000 seafarers faced financial and physical hardships, with more than 2,223 losing their lives in the Royal Navy. Survivors initially received financial aid from the British Government, but this was discontinued in 1921.
Under the leadership of Shri Mohamed Ebrahim Serang, the issue was raised, leading to a 1928 Trade Union Congress resolution demanding "War Compensation." This resulted in a British ordinance on April 5, 1929, reinstating aid until 1933. In total, seafarers and their legal heirs received Rs. 16,00,000 in compensation
Historic moment for Indian shipping fraternity - National Maritime Board (India) - NMB (1) established
In 1957, Collective Bargaining was introduced in Indian shipping with the establishment of the National Maritime Board (India) [NMB(I)] on 14th June, modeled after the UK's National Maritime Board. This allowed shipowners and seafarers to negotiate wages and working conditions.
The first agreement (1957) secured a 10% wage increase, merging war allowance into basic wages, benefiting seafarers across Deck, Engine, and Saloon (Catering) sections, totaling Rs. 1.08 crore.
NUSI also achieved enhanced leave, uniform wages for Calcutta and Bombay seafarers, regulated work hours, overtime pay, foreign port medical wages, and warm clothing for cold climates. Additionally, food money was introduced, starting at Re. 1.50 per day, later increasing to Rs. 3 per day until sign-on.
Sacrifices of Indian Seafarers - “A Dream Come True
Indian Seafarers protesting for rights in large numbers
Shri Mohamed Ebrahim Serang operated NUSI from 47, Old Nagpada Road, later renamed in his honor in 1975. Membership fees, starting at Re. 1/- in 1926, gradually increased to Rs. 6/- by 1952. Despite financial challenges, the NUSI building's foundation was laid on 6th January 1950 and completed for Rs. 1 lakh, funded entirely by seafarers’ subscriptions and sacrifices.
It was a proud milestone for Indian seafarers to have their own union building. NUSI later affiliated with the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) to strengthen support for Indian seafarers abroad
A Crusader for social upliftment:
Shri Mohamed Ebrahim Serang served in the Bombay Municipal Corporation from 1929 to 1948, actively contributing to various committees, including Improvements, Works, and Markets & Gardens. A dedicated social worker, he aided those in distress, regardless of caste or religion. During communal riots, he played a key role in the Peace Committee, personally protecting a temple by providing round-the-clock security and sheltering its inmates in his home, where only vegetarian food was prepared for them
Appreciation by Seafarers, friends and community on receipt of the title
But later in the spirit of nationalism, Shri Mohamed Ebrahim Serang returned the title of "Khan Saheb" back to the British Government
Title of "Khan Saheb" :
Shri Mohamed Ebrahim Serang served in the Bombay Municipal Corporation from 1929 to 1948, actively contributing to various committees, including Improvements, Works, and Markets & Gardens. A dedicated social worker, he aided those in distress, regardless of caste or religion. During communal riots, he played a key role in the Peace Committee, personally protecting a temple by providing round-the-clock security and sheltering its inmates in his home, where only vegetarian food was prepared for them
"Mohamed Ebrahim Serang Marg:
He was a born philanthropist who helped many widows and poor people irrespective of caste and religion. On 23rd August, 1975 the street by the name Old Nagpada Road in Bombay 400 009 was named after him as "Mohamed Ebrahim Serang Marg".
